Loading...
Loading...
Click here if you don’t see subscription options
Inside the VaticanOctober 02, 2019
Pope Francis greets Jesuit Father James Martin, author and editor at large of America magazine, during a private meeting at the Vatican Oct. 1, 2019. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss Pope Francis’ meeting with James Martin, S.J. It was the pair’s first extended conversation, though Pope Francis is familiar with Father Martin’s work and read his book on L.G.B.T. Catholics, Building a Bridge.

Up next, the first new sculpture in 400 years was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 29. Titled “Angels Unawares,” the bronze sculpture shows 140 migrants and refugees from different historical eras. We discuss the sculpture’s provenance and how it fits with Pope Francis’ priorities.

Finally, Cardinal William Levada died last week. He was formerly head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a friend of Pope Benedict’s. We discuss Cardinal Levada’s legacy and how the college of cardinals has changed.

Links from the show:

Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Catherine McKeen
5 years 6 months ago

It seems to me there is a clear message connected to the upcoming canonization of John Henry Newman on October 13th and the pope's private meeting with Fr. Martin. There is widespread recognition among scholars that Cardinal Newman and Ambrose St. John were lifelong "friends" in a way now seen as celibate homosexuality. Newman was buried in the same grave with Ambrose St. John, which created some problems when the call for Newman's blessedness began to grow. Fr. Martin's identification with a strong LGBT cause for the Church and Pope Francis' mission of reaching out to the margins surely were at the bottom of their meeting in Rome. America at some point will have to talk about that.

The latest from america

A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, by J.D. Long García
J.D. Long GarcíaApril 30, 2025
A Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, by Terrance Klein
Terrance KleinApril 30, 2025
In a pre-conclave meeting, an Italian cardinal, and backer of Cardinal Parolin as next pope, attacked Pope Francis for opening positions of responsibility in the church to men and women not in holy orders.
Gerard O’ConnellApril 30, 2025
Michael B. Jordan, left, in “Sinners” (Warner Brothers)
As the film’s title promises, there is plenty of sin on display, even before the vampires arrive.
John DoughertyApril 30, 2025